Gaming Signal: REVIEW: Ziggity

REVIEW: Ziggity

MY RATING:

This kid-oriented game from the makers of Cranium shows that innovation and education can come together to deliver a game that parents and children can enjoy together. The Cranium folks tend to make quality games and this one is no exception. While it starts out feeling like UNO in many respects, there is enough difference here to keep everybody involved.

The gameplay behind Ziggity is somewhat unique while drawing from some classic games. After dealing 7 cards to each, players take turns trying to be the first to get rid of all their cards. On each turn, you have to complete a task based on the card that is on top of the discard pile. There are 4 types of tasks - one is complete a puzzle, one is to spell a word using the letters on cards in your hand, one is to create a sum that equals 11, and one is to simply match as many of the same instrument as is pictured on the card. Following a trend seen in other games, the cards themselves are partially transparent allowing you to place them on top of one another to complete the puzzle task visually.

The ability to set the goal the next player has to complete - by choosing which card ends up on the top of the discard - is one I haven't seen before. I found to add a strategy element that many kids games lack. Like UNO there are special cards that can act as a wild card, as well as cards to force opponents to draw cards.

The game isn't perfect. It does rely on randomness a bit too much. We've played a few games that only went 3 rounds. This might be good for kids who would just as soon start another game, but I found myself wanting to play a little more. And the clear plastic cards really don't add much to the game. Completing the puzzle is visually interesting, but because there are only 3 puzzle pieces it isn't all that useful to see through them. Given that the plastic cards are very slippery and prone to spraying all over the table during a shuffle, I wish the transparency came into play more.

But those are really minor issues with what is otherwise a very fun game. I recommend it for any family looking for a game they can play together and all have fun. The game is for ages 8 and up.